Dentists urged to avoid using jargon and complex terminology
The Dental Defence Union has issued new guidelines to encourage dentists to use simpler language when communicating with patients.
The DDU, which represents dental professionals and handles complaints, has urged dentists to stop using jargon and complicated terminology in a bid to create better relationships with patients and to improve patient understanding. The DDU believes that misunderstandings can contribute to an increased risk of a patient making a complaint against a dental worker.
Deputy director of the DDU, Leo Briggs, said that technical language, jargon and dental speak could be confusing for patients. Although dental professionals use words and terms like composite and amalgam on a daily basis, this is not language that is familiar to many patients and it can lead to a breakdown in communication.
To improve relations and ensure that dental patients have a clear understanding of what their dentist is saying, the DDU has advised dental professionals to stick to “plain English” and avoid words like periodontitis, restoration, composite, radiograph, gutta percha, caries and endodontic treatment.
New guidance has been published in the DDU Journal and comes after the Academy of Royal Medical Colleges released new guidelines for medical professionals related to the use of terminology, Latin words, and jargon.
